#United States #Washington, D.C. #McCourt Global #Amputee Soccer #Olympique de Marseille

Inaugural McCourt Global Amputee Soccer Invitational in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is about to host an exceptional event that highlights the incredible talent of athletes with disabilities. The McCourt Global Amputee Soccer Invitational will take place on April 19 at Georgetown University's Shaw Field, showcasing elite level amputee soccer in a free public exhibition. This event promises to be an extraordinary afternoon filled with thrilling matches as well as an opportunity to promote inclusivity in sports.

Event Overview

McCourt Global, known for its diverse ventures spanning real estate, sports, technology, and media, is the driving force behind this inaugural event. The tournament is backed by Treizième Homme, which is the philanthropic arm of the renowned French club Olympique de Marseille (OM). Co-hosted by Georgetown University’s Disability Cultural Center and endorsed by the American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA), the Invitational aims to raise awareness for amputee soccer while fostering community engagement.

The event will feature teams from different backgrounds, including the Olympique de Marseille's official amputee team, members from the AASA’s U.S. Men's National Amputee Soccer Team, Arena Football Club (Delaware), and Colorado Rapids Amputee Soccer. The competition will consist of a series of seven-a-side matches, culminating in a showcase match between OM and select players from the U.S. Men's National Amputee Soccer Team.

Match Schedule

• - 1:00 PM ET – Pre-Match Program

Welcome remarks and a brief rundown of amputee soccer rules.

• - 1:30 PM ET – OM vs. U.S. Men's National Amputee Soccer Team (Gala Match)
• - 2:30 PM ET – OM vs. Arena FC (Match 2)
• - 3:20 PM ET – OM vs. Colorado Rapids (Match 3)
• - 4:10 PM ET – Arena FC vs. Colorado Rapids (Match 4)

Community Engagement and Opportunities

In addition to the soccer matches, guests will have the chance to win signed jerseys from OM, among other prizes. The Olympique de Marseille delegation will also engage with the local community through interactive sessions designed for students across Washington, D.C.

Lucie Venet, Executive Director of Treizième Homme, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating that it highlights the values of community, confidence, and opportunity. She emphasized how sports can facilitate personal growth and unity among diverse groups. Meanwhile, Dr. Amy Kenny, Founding Director of the Disability Cultural Center, noted the importance of celebrating disability culture and providing the community with access to high-level sports.

The AASA also emphasizes the need to grow amputee soccer in the U.S., aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes through events like the Invitational. Dr. Eric Lamberg, President of the AASA, encourages everyone in the community to attend and support athletes who overcome significant challenges through sports.

A Commitment to Inclusion

This event represents a meaningful milestone for amputee soccer. As reported previously, Olympique de Marseille became the first club in Ligue 1 to form its amputee soccer team, setting a precedent for inclusion and opportunity on a wider scale. The team trains under professional conditions, sharing the same facilities used by OM’s professional squads. They are well-prepared to compete internationally, with several players hoping to showcase their skills on greater stages like the Europa League.

Conclusion

The McCourt Global Amputee Soccer Invitational is set to make waves in the world of sports by providing a platform for disabled athletes and promoting inclusivity. It's an event not only about soccer but also about building community and celebrating human spirit. Whether you’re a sports fan or looking to support a worthy cause, mark your calendars for April 19 and get ready to cheer on some remarkable athletes!

To learn more about the Invitational and RSVP, visit the McCourt Global Amputee Soccer Invitational Eventbrite page. For additional details on accessibility options or directions to Shaw Field, please check the provided links.

Support for amputee soccer can also be shown through Treizième Homme, which works towards social responsibility initiatives within sports. For a deeper understanding of amputee soccer in the U.S., visit the AASA's official website at usampsoccer.org.